Last month, the Los Angeles Times published an article about concerns expressed by employees at a major hospital in the area. The article included information from a report released by the Service Employees International Union that included infection rates for a superbug known as Clostridium difficile (C. diff).

The article stated that the hospital had 97 patients who were infected with the healthcare-associated infection (HAI), C. diff. These types of infections are difficult to treat and can be deadly. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2011, C. diff infections caused half a million infections and 29,000 people died within 30 days of their initial diagnosis.

C. diff infections are a major concern in healthcare environments because of the types of patients they typically treat. People with other illnesses or conditions requiring prolonged use of antibiotics and the elderly are at greater risk of acquiring this infection. When a person takes antibiotics, other microorganisms that protect against infections are eliminated for a period of time. During this period, patients can get sick from C. diff picked up from contaminated surfaces or spread from a healthcare provider’s hands.

“Anyone susceptible to these types of superbug infections are potentially vulnerable if they touch anything that is contaminated and then touch their mouths or mucous membranes,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “If healthcare workers do not follow proper personal hygiene protocols, they can easily spread the bacteria to patients or can contaminate surfaces. This can also occur if there are gaps in the facility’s disinfection procedures.”

To help prevent HAIs, the microbial experts at LA Testing offer analytical services and sampling supplies to identify C. diff and other superbugs. These services help to prevent outbreaks and to assist in monitoring infection control procedures followed by healthcare providers.

To learn more about testing for microbial pathogens, HAIs, indoor air quality contaminants or other environmental issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Leandro and South Pasadena.